Pavilion Talk: Pavilion 2005 season to focus more on family, fun

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2005

People everywhere can celebrate the arts with The Pavilion by attending any or all of its upcoming shows. The Side Street Strutters performed a Dixieland jazz program with the Houston Symphony last night in a Mardi Gras-like-atmosphere, and The Houston Grand Opera will follow up with a show titled "Madame Butterfly," tomorrow at 8 p.m.

By CHEVALIER MAYES

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion's 2005 Performing Arts Season is filled with an entertaining and diverse repertoire of performances featuring the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera.

People everywhere can celebrate the arts with The Pavilion by attending any or all of its upcoming shows. The Side Street Strutters performed a Dixieland jazz program with the Houston Symphony last night in a Mardi Gras-like-atmosphere, and The Houston Grand Opera will follow up with a show titled "Madame Butterfly," tomorrow at 8 p.m.

A number of the Grand Opera's musicians will perform various arias in "Madame Butterfly." Children under 12 will receive free admission. Tickets for covered reserved seating are $25 and $35, $15 for uncovered and $10 for lawn.

Before the show Ira Black, a member of the Grand Opera, will hold "Pavilion Talk," a discussion concerning history and background information about opera in the event tent from 7:15-7:45 p.m.

Mandi Hunsicker-Sallee, marketing and public relations manager for The Pavilion, said the chat will enlighten guests about the "Madame Butterfly" production and opera as a whole.

Sallee said The Pavilion tries to create a fun and festive atmosphere at each of its performances. Prior to the show, children can take part in growing and crafting butterflies with "Learning Express." They can also make their own butterfly wands with "Pavilion Partners."

Moms and dads will have the opportunity to register to win in Tommy Bahama's "Best Seat in The House" drawing. The winner will receive free tickets for The Pavilion's next performance called "Blast Off," a family event featuring the Houston Symphony June 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Sallee said The Pavilion strives to make sure people of all ages enjoy their time spent at any of The Pavilion's performances.

"Our goal is to really make an event fun for the whole family," she said.

Cindy DuBois, director of marketing and education for The Pavilion, also said The Pavilion is putting much more of an effort into making this season more family-friendly.

"Part of what's making this season different is not only the diversity of the performances, but a shift toward programming that is family oriented," DuBois said.

Along with a family-friendly atmosphere, The Pavilion has aimed to entertain visitors before performances, said DuBois. She said all the changes are in conjunction with The Pavilion's purpose.

"We are trying to create more of an event before the concerts start, she said. "The entertainment before the performances is free to the public. It all ties back in to why we're here and what we're really about, which is to expose art to the masses."

The Pavilion's Performing Arts Season will round out with events hosted by the Houston Symphony.

Pops "Star-Spangled Salute" is July 3 at 8 p.m. It is a free event featuring conductor Michael Krajewski.

"Peter and The Wolf" will be held Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and D'Artagnan Bebel will narrate the program. A classical performance of Beethoven's Fifth will be Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and "Hocus Pocus Pops" will be Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

A few acts have been announced for The Pavilion's concert season, but Jerry MacDonald, president of The Pavilion, said there are plenty of more acts lined up to be announced later this year. He said this year's concert season offers a well-rounded look at performers from all genres and generations. He said some country performers will be added to the schedule later, as well as some contemporary acts.

Tickets for the concert and performing arts season area available at all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, including Foley's, Fiesta and Wherehouse Music, by calling (713) 629-3700 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets can also be obtained from The Pavilion Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on the event days through intermission. The ticket office is located at the north entrance to The Pavilion at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive.